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Vist aapplicationprocess
- 1. How to Apply AmeriCorps VISTA Created by: Angela Soto (2009)
- 2. What is AmeriCorps VISTA? Your world, your chance to make it better.
- 3. As an AmeriCorps*VISTA you'll act on your passion to help eliminate poverty. You'll be the organizer, the builder, and the social entrepreneur whose job it is to tap the potential of a community. The Possibilities are Endless..
- 4. Reaching Your Potential You may start a new program or take over from an outgoing AmeriCorps*VISTA member. You will strengthen your skills in management, fundraising, training, and communication. You'll expand your interpersonal and leadership skills as you work with people from all walks of life. Also, you'll feel personally satisfied when you realize the difference you've made.
- 5. Who Is Eligible to Participate? To qualify, you must be at least 18+ years old. Most programs seek members with college degrees or at least three years of work experience. You should have good interpersonal skills and understand that achieving measurable results takes time.
- 6. What Are the Benefits of Service? As an AmeriCorps*VISTA member, you'll receive a modest living allowance. You'll receive health insurance, training and travel expenses, and be able to delay paying back your student loans while you serve. When you complete a year of service, you'll receive an education award of $5,550 This award can be used to help pay for college, graduate school, vocational training, or to pay off student loans. Or, you may choose to receive a stipend of $1,500 instead of the education award.
- 7. What is the Term of Service? As an AmeriCorps*VISTA member, you will serve full-time for at least one year. Participants serve on average about 35-40 hours per week.
- 8. It’s Easy to Register! New Applicants may only apply online via the AmeriCorps website: http://www.americorps.gov / Click on the link entitled “Join AmeriCorps” Then select your project of interest and the state in which you choose to serve in. Next, you click on the apply link and you will be asked to “Create a Profile”.
- 9. Creating a Profile You will be asked to provide your personal identifying information including your name, Social Security Number ( SSN), date of birth, and e-mail. This information is necessary in order to enable the system to locate your application. You will then need to create a user name and password.
- 10. Components of Application Each portion of the application is indexed by tabs which pertain to the info you must provide. The application is categorized by basic information, educational background, experience and skills, community service, a motivational statement, criminal history, and references. Within each tab you will answer a brief questionnaire on its corresponding topic.
- 11. Key Application Pointers Take your time and save your application often. Get a second opinion of your resume before submittal, preferably by a professional. Write down any skills or important information that you left out. Only apply to projects that you will commit to. Try to use references that are either academic or work related.
- 12. What If You Forget Your Password? You would then click on the link entitled “Forgot your password?” (Or if you forgot your user name you would click on its corresponding link) In this case you would need your email and user name in order to retrieve your password.
- 13. Saving Your Application You can save your application so that you may complete it at your convenience at a later time. You must also have an updated resume available so that the information on your application is up to date. You must have the emails of your references ready so that you may send reference requests through the system and complete your application.
- 14. Important Resume Tips Utilize local resources in your community to assist you in creating your resume such as workshops, college resource centers, internet or career development centers. Make sure you list at least the previous five years of work experience on your resume as well as your education and volunteer work.
- 15. How to Search Projects 1.Click on search listing on left side of screen. 2. Select Program type then choose: VISTA 3.Then choose the state and program name. For example: New England Farm Workers. 4. Click on the title of the agency that is in blue and it will redirect you.. 5.Click on “Click to apply” and then select “Submit”.
- 16. Submit Your Application Congratulations, you are done! You may now apply to different projects until your application is chosen by an agency and you start your service, so choose wisely!
- 17. References AmeriCorps (2009) retrieved July 29, 2009 http://www.americorps.gov/
- 18. Any Questions?
- 19. Contact Info Jessica Quintana Lead VISTA Recruitment Specialist (413)536-5403 x 223 [email_address]